Cooperation and conflict in international water interactions : an indicator framework for the promotion of peace

Abstract

Water is vital for life and one of the most vulnerable resources for the future. Humanity has managed its water resources since its beginnings, and since then, cooperation has thrived among riparian states. However, contemporary diplomacy faces new challenges due to climate change and political rivalry. One of those is to reinforce international water management to maintain peace. The dissertation highlights the relevance of international water management in different regions and analyses whether water is a driver of political understanding of tension. Also, it provides guidelines for identifying factors that promote cooperation and others that generate conflict over international water by an indicator framework to assess international water interactions and evaluate the likelihood of cooperation or conflict. In addition, by identifying the critical elements in an international water interaction, the dissertation presents the benefits of hydro diplomacy to diplomats and policy makers as a relevant tool for reaching agreements and transforming conflictive situations into new opportunities for cooperation on international waters.